Should football fans be allowed alcohol in their seats?

A campaign to allow football supporters to drink alcohol in their seats at
matches for the first time since the mid-1980s has been launched by Ipswich
Town, but do you agree with the Championship club's stance? Vote in our poll
and have your say ...

Thirsty work: rugby union fans enjoy a few pints at a Premiership game at Kingston ParkPhoto: GETTY IMAGES

Drinking alcohol from within view of the pitch was banned in 1985 following numerous incidents of public alcohol-related disorder. However, Ipswich Town chief executive Simon Clegg believes that football fans have been “unfairly targeted” compared to followers of other sports. Football, to this day, remains the only sport where its supporters are barred from drinking while watching their team.

Clegg, meanwhile, has argued that the atmosphere at football grounds has changed sufficiently since the mid-1980s to mean alcohol is no longer a risk to public order, while added that drinking may improve the atmosphere and enjoyment of fans.

While rugby union fans are often seen drinking at matches and cricket fans are renowned for their drinking exploits at the match, football supporters still must rush to the bar at half time to catch the 15-minute window. Is this fair? Is this right?